1gen 4runner advice

[59fins]

New to the forum. New to 4x4s. Not so new to trucks and wrenching.
Considering the acquisition of a 87? 4runner 4wd, auto, 4cyl turbo.
It's unmolested, just 27 yrs old. Runs good drives good.
My question is, the turbo engine... how reliable is it for mild off-roading?
My other option is a 95 honda passport. That I already have in my possession. Also 4wd, auto, but it's a 3.2 V6.
Obviously both will need a goin through new fluids, seals, and all that jazz.

All opinions are welcome. Even though I know I posted about a Honda on a Toyota forum. :doh:

 

[crash813]

The Honda Passport is simply a re-badged Isuzu Rodeo. Reliability is not particularly notable in the Rodeo's. I don't know much about aftermarket for the Rodeo but I'm guessing its close to non-existant and will be mostly one off stuff.
Toyota's on the other hand have large supporting populations of both owners and merchants that will support you from mild restores to wild rock crawlers.
Second thing to remember is that Honda will never be worth much to anything. It will depreciate to nothing as it gets older. The 4runner is not a huge market, but it has a solid following that seems to be getting stronger. IE. it will hold value as you put money into it. I don't have any firsthand experience with the turbo's but like the other T4R models, you have tons of options if it ends up going south from rebuilds to swaps.

If you want a daily driver that once a year, you can go camping in, either will work. If you want to do more wheeling and like the T4R styling, then its definitely the better choice. Its really up to you being honest with what you really want. You could also find some middle ground with a 2nd or 3rd gen 4runner. Still found cheap but same great Toyota platform to build from if you choose but more updated and 4 doors.

 

[59fins]

Thanks for the input, hopefully there will be some owners with turbo experience to chime in and help out. It's acctually my fiancées moms car. Hers before that so they know the history, it's been in the fam for 15 or so years. So that's a plus.
And I do like the styling and aftermarket support of the yota better.
Just leary of the snail under the hood.

 

[thatoneguy]

In regards to the Turbo Twank (22-RTE), I've seen a few be daily drivers, and I have a buddy driving one now. They're rumored to be somewhat less reliable than the regular 22re. Buddies' dad daily drove one for a year without incident.

I'd say if it ain't broke don't fix it. i.e. if it's currently in top running condition, it should serve you fine for a while. I would definitely drive one over a Rodeo/Passport. I've seen a turbo 22re wheel hard for hours without incident. I highly doubt offroad engine reliability will be an issue.

There's no other turbocharged topless suv. Definitely a unique truck to be rolling around in.

If the price was right, and you want the turbo auto, I'd say go for it. But for simplicity's sake, I'd probably go with a n.a. 22re with a manual trans. Lot easier to find parts.

 

[RAD4Runner]

New to the forum. New to 4x4s. Not so new to trucks and wrenching.
Considering the acquisition of a 87? 4runner 4wd, auto, 4cyl turbo.
It's unmolested, just 27 yrs old. Runs good drives good.

Deep inside, you know you want the 4Runner... Why else are you asking the forum? Because you know what we're gonna say. LOL!
First-gen Toyota 4Runner 22RE(liable) FTW!

... Hers before that so they know the history, it's been in the fam for 15 or so years. So that's a plus....

You got that right. Best plus.

And I do like the styling and aftermarket support of the yota better.
Just leary of the snail under the hood.

Heck YEAH! The sexiest stance of all the 4Runners
Don't worry about lack of power; you'll pass them all when the road ends.

The Honda Passport is simply a re-badged Isuzu...
If you want a daily driver that once a year, you can go camping in, either will work.

Amen!